November Newsletter | Welcoming New Studio Members

Welcoming New Members

The studio is alive these days with four new members - Anne Montgomery, Leslie Green, Sarah Steeves, Paige Gratland - who bring a diverse folio of talents and an enthusiasm for weaving. We look forward to the unknown directions the studio may go with this new blood.

Tatiana Vasilchikova also joined the studio team this year, bringing her amazing skills as a clothing designer and seamstress. Diana and Tatiana are invigorated each time they get together to discuss their next garment collaborations. Our current window gallery is featuring their latest work with some shibori pieces.

Diana shares her process with us: "Working with the shibori resist technique on the Sanjo’s wool broadcloth is an absolute delight. I build up layers of two or three colours often ending with indigo. Surprising chemistry happens every time resulting in deep rich colours and complex combinations from naturals dyes". Once the fabric is dyed, the collaboration begins with Tatiana approaching the fabric with a fresh eye to create unique garments.

Online Studio Collection

Our current selection was chosen by Anne Montgomery - one of our new studio members. Anne shares with us her inspiration:

"I chose those colours because teals and purples are my favourite colour combination as they remind me of the ocean, and in particular, the Sechelt Inlet on the Sunshine Coast. At different times of day and year, the inlet can run the gamut from silvery grey to the brightest blue, but the teal and purple colours of the water first thing in the morning or in the early evening darkness are my favourite times for contemplation and peacefulness."

Find the complete selection online and in the studio.

Image above (left) featuring brooch by Kate Barber

Amy Putansu - Ondulé Weaving

It's been already 6 years since the studio had the pleasure of hosting Amy Putansu and her exhibit "Shima". Amy, artist and educator at Haywood College, creates textiles using a rare hand weaving technique called ondulé.

This technique requires the use of a fan reed to weave and maneuver the threads into wave-like patterns.

Amy introduced many people to the ondulé weaving technique over the years. Here at the studio, we are still very much inspired by her work and continue our explorations. The image at the top of our newsletter shows Diana's ondulé scarves.

Amy's work can be found at the Blue Spiral 1 Fine Art + Craft Gallery and her voice heard during the Textiles & Tea Episode of the Handweavers Guild of America in September.

Setsuko Torii - Knit Designer

In 2016, the studio also welcomed Setsuko Torii - renowned knitwear designer.

Setsuko's approach to knitting is fresh and lively. Her simple designs are relaxed, colourful, yet ingenious.

Setsuko Torii Knit Works is available online and in her shop in Kyoto. The Atelier is also home to her yarn shop “Itonokura”.

Setsuko wishes for people to gather at "Itonokura" and be inspired by each other through yarns, knitting and weaving.

Both Setsuko and Amy shared their expertise with students through workshops at Maiwa. Amy also gave a lecture - Invitation to the Divine - that is available through Maiwa's Podcast Series.

Studio Weaving Classes

Our November class is full and the next one will be early in the New Year.

To be notified when registration details are announced, contact silkweavediana@gmail.com.

Did You Know ... that a silkworm will increase its body weight by 10 000 times during the first 30 days of its life cycle.

Copyright © 2022 Silk Weaving Studio, All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is:
1531 Johnston Street, Vancouver, BC V6H 3R9 Canada

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.